Substrate Supply for Haemoglobin Synthesis

Abstract

One of the basic prerequisites for normal haemoglobin synthesis is a regulated supply of substrates to systems producing haem (mitochondria) as well as globin (ribosomes). For the formation of the protein component of haemoglobin all amino acids arc essential. On the other hand for the synthesis of the prosthetic group — haem — iron, glycine and succinyl-cocnzymc A arc needed. Succinyl-cocnzymc A is present in non-limiting amounts due to the metabolic activity of mitochondria (see p. 60). While amino acids are available in a free form, iron is bound to its protein carrier — transferrin.